Thermal transfer system and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

A thermal exchange system using a thermal transport fluid and including a heat releasing heat exchanger, a heat receiving heat exchanger and a second heat exchange unit. The thermal exchange system is operable in heating mode and in a cooling mode in which ambient air is respectively heated and cooled in the second heat exchange unit. Switching between the heating and cooling modes changes an outside path through which the thermal transport fluid moves between the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit while preserving inside paths through which the thermal transport fluid moves inside each of the the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general field of heating and cooling of ambient air, and is particularly concerned with a thermal transfer system and a method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND

There are many systems, for example residential heat pumps, that can be used both for heating and cooling ambient air. To achieve both functions, a heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat pump needs to change its flow direction inside the heat pump when the mode of operation (heating or cooling) is changed. Current heat pumps that can achieve this flow reversal experience a lot of wear from this dual functionality and are therefore prone to fail prematurely. They also include many electromechanical components which further contribute to making system particularly prone to breakdowns and fluid leaks which, in turn, results in costly maintenance and repair operations.

Against this background, there exist a need for an improved thermal transfer system and a method of operating the same. An object of this invention is to provide such a system and such a method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a broad aspect, the invention provides a thermal exchange system usable with a thermal transport fluid to condition ambient air, the thermal exchange system comprising: a fluid source port for receiving the thermal transport fluid; a fluid exhaust port for releasing the thermal transport fluid; a pump provided for moving the thermal transport fluid in the thermal exchange system; a first heat exchange unit, the first heat exchange unit including a heat receiving heat exchanger and a heat releasing heat exchanger, the heat receiving heat exchanger including a heat receiving heat exchanger input port and a heat receiving heat exchanger output port, the heat releasing heat exchanger including a heat releasing heat exchanger input port and a heat releasing heat exchanger output port. The first heat exchange unit is operative for actively cooling the heat receiving heat exchanger and heating the heat releasing heat exchanger. The heat receiving heat exchanger is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the heat receiving heat exchanger input port, cooling the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the heat receiving heat exchanger output port. The heat releasing heat exchanger is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the heat releasing heat exchanger input port, heating the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the heat releasing heat exchanger output port. A second heat exchange unit is also provided, the second heat exchange unit including a second heat exchange unit input port and a second heat exchange unit output port, the second heat exchange unit being operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the second heat exchange unit input port, exchanging heat between the ambient air and the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the second heat exchange unit output port. The thermal exchange system is configurable between a heating configuration and a cooling configuration. In operation, in the heating configuration, the fluid source port and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; the heat releasing heat exchanger output port and the second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; the second heat exchange unit output port and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; the heat receiving heat exchanger output port and the fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; and the pump moves the thermal transport fluid through the thermal exchange system successively from the fluid source port, through the heat releasing heat exchanger, through the second heat exchange unit, through the heat receiving heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port. In operation, in the cooling configuration, the fluid source port and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; the heat receiving heat exchanger output port and the second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; the second heat exchange unit output port and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; the heat releasing heat exchanger output port and the fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; and the pump moves the thermal transport fluid through the thermal exchange system successively from the fluid source port, through the heat receiving heat exchanger, through the second heat exchange unit, through the heat releasing heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port. Fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when the thermal exchange system is moved between the heating and cooling configurations.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first heat exchange unit is operative for actively transporting heat within the first heat exchange unit from the heat receiving heat exchanger to the heat releasing heat exchanger. For example, the first heat exchange unit includes: a heat transport fluid circulating between the heat releasing heat exchanger and the heat receiving heat exchanger; a compressor provided between the heat releasing heat exchanger and the heat receiving heat exchanger for compressing the heat transport fluid when the heat transport fluid is moved from the heat receiving heat exchanger to the heat receiving heat exchanger; and a gas expansion device provided between the heat releasing heat exchanger and the heat receiving heat exchanger for expanding the heat transport fluid when the heat transport fluid is moved from the heat releasing heat exchanger to the heat releasing heat exchanger.

In some embodiments of the invention, the second heat exchange unit is a liquid-to-air fan coil unit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the thermal exchange system is also configurable to a maintenance configuration in which flow of the thermal transport fluid between the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit is blocked.

In some embodiments of the invention, the thermal exchange system further comprises a valve in fluid communication with the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit, the valve being operable between a valve first configuration and a valve second configuration, wherein, in the valve first configuration, the thermal exchange system is in the heating configuration and in the valve second configuration, the thermal exchange system is in the cooling configuration.

In some embodiments of the invention, the valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port and an eighth port; the first port and the heat releasing heat exchanger output port are in fluid communication with each other; the second port and the fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; the third port and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; the fourth port and the fluid source port are in fluid communication with each other; the fifth port and the second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; the sixth port and the heat receiving heat exchanger output port are in fluid communication with each other; the seventh port and the second heat exchange unit output port are in fluid communication with each other; the eighth port and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other. In the valve first configuration, inside the valve, the first and fifth ports are in fluid communication with each other; the second and sixth ports are in fluid communication with each other; the third and fourth ports are in fluid communication with each other; and the seventh and eighth ports are in fluid communication with each other. In the valve second configuration, inside the valve, the first and second ports are in fluid communication with each other; the fifth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with each other; the third and seventh ports are in fluid communication with each other; and the fourth and eighth ports are in fluid communication with each other.

In some embodiments of the invention, the valve includes a substantially hollow valve housing and a valve rotor rotatably mounted in the valve housing, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports extending through the valve housing, the valve rotor defining valve conduits for conducting fluid between selected ones of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports, the valve rotor being rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position, the valve rotor being configured and sized such that in the first angular position, the valve is in the valve first configuration and in the second angular position, the valve is in the valve second configuration.

For example, the valve housing defines a substantially cylindrically-shaped valve chamber and the valve rotor defines a substantially elongated and cylindrically-shaped valve rotor body mounted in the valve chamber. Typically, the valve rotor body has outer dimensions and configuration that conform in a substantially snug-fit relation to the valve chamber.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first, second, third and fourth ports are provided at longitudinally spaced apart locations along the valve housing and the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports are provided at substantially longitudinally spaced apart locations along the valve housing, the first, second, third and fourth ports being substantially diametrically opposed respectively to the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first, second, third and fourth ports are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other and the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other.

In some embodiments of the invention, the valve conduits include first, second, third and fourth bores extending substantially diametrically through the valve rotor body and first, second, third and fourth recesses extending substantially longitudinally along portions of the valve rotor body, the first and second recesses being substantially diametrically opposed to each other and the third and fourth recesses being substantially diametrically opposed to each other, the first and second recesses being circumferentially spaced apart from the first and second bores and the third and fourth recesses being circumferential spaced apart from the third and fourth bores. In the first angular position, the first bore is substantially aligned with and extends between the first and fifth ports; the second bore is substantially aligned with and extends between the second and sixth ports; the third recess extends between the third and fourth ports; and the fourth recess extends between the seventh and eighth ports. In the second angular position, the third bore is substantially aligned with and extends between the third and seventh ports; the fourth bore is substantially aligned with and extends between the fourth and eighth ports; the first recess extends between the first and second ports; and the second recess extends between the fifth and sixth ports.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second bores extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first and second recesses; and the third and fourth bores extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the third and fourth recesses.

In some embodiments of the invention, the valve rotor is movable to a third angular position, wherein, in the third angular position, the first, second, third and fourth bores and the first, second, third and fourth recesses are all retracted from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports.

In some embodiments of the invention, the valve rotor defines a spindle shaft extending substantially axially from the valve rotor body through a spindle shaft aperture provided at one end of the valve housing.

In another broad aspect, the invention provides a thermal exchange system usable with a thermal transport fluid to condition ambient air, the thermal exchange system comprising: a fluid source port for receiving the thermal transport fluid; a fluid exhaust port for releasing the thermal transport fluid; at least one pump provided for moving the thermal transport fluid in the thermal exchange system; a first heat exchange unit, the first heat exchange unit including a heat receiving heat exchanger and a heat releasing heat exchanger, the heat receiving heat exchanger including a heat receiving heat exchanger input port and a heat receiving heat exchanger output port, the heat releasing heat exchanger including a heat releasing heat exchanger input port and a heat releasing heat exchanger output port. The first heat exchange unit is operative for actively cooling the heat receiving heat exchanger and heating the heat releasing heat exchanger. The heat receiving heat exchanger is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the heat receiving heat exchanger input port, cooling the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the heat receiving heat exchanger output port. The heat releasing heat exchanger is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the heat releasing heat exchanger input port, heating the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the heat releasing heat exchanger output port. The system also comprises a second heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit including a second heat exchange unit input port and a second heat exchange unit output port, the second heat exchange unit being operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid at the second heat exchange unit input port, exchanging heat between the ambient air and the thermal transport fluid and releasing the thermal transport fluid at the second heat exchange unit output port. The thermal exchange system is configurable between a heating configuration and a cooling configuration. In operation the at least one pump moves the thermal transport fluid through the thermal exchange system so that in the heating configuration, the thermal exchange system heats the thermal transport fluid with the heat releasing heat exchanger, releases heat from the thermal transport fluid heated with the heat releasing heat exchanger to the ambient air using the second heat exchange unit and cools the thermal transport fluid with the heat receiving heat exchanger; and in the cooling configuration, the thermal exchange system cools the thermal transport fluid with the heat receiving heat exchanger, receives heat from the ambient air and heats the transport fluid cooled with the heat receiving heat exchanger using the second heat exchange unit, and heats the thermal transport fluid with the heat releasing heat exchanger. Fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when the thermal exchange system is moved between the heating and cooling configurations.

In a variant, in the heating configuration, the thermal transport fluid flows successively from the fluid source port, to the heat releasing heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit, to the heat receiving heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port; and in the cooling configuration, the thermal transport fluid flows successively from the fluid source port, to the heat receiving heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit, to the heat releasing heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port.

In another variant, in the heating configuration the thermal transport fluid flows in a circuit in a first path from the heat releasing heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit and back to the heat releasing heat exchanger; and the thermal transport fluid flows in a second path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat receiving heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port. In the cooling configuration the thermal transport fluid flows in a circuit in a third path from the heat receiving heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit and back to the heat receiving heat exchanger; the thermal transport fluid flows in a fourth path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat releasing heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port.

In yet another variant, in the heating configuration, the thermal transport fluid flows in a first path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat releasing heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit and to the fluid exhaust port; and the thermal transport fluid flows in a second path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat receiving heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port. In the cooling configuration, the thermal transport fluid flows in a third path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat receiving heat exchanger, to the second heat exchange unit and to the fluid exhaust port; and the thermal transport fluid flows in a fourth path successively from the fluid source port, to the heat releasing heat exchanger and to the fluid exhaust port.

In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a method for conditioning ambient air using a thermal transport fluid moving through a thermal exchange system, the thermal exchange system including a heat receiving heat exchanger, a heat releasing heat exchanger and a second heat exchange unit, the method comprising: moving the thermal transport fluid for heating the ambient air by heating the thermal transport fluid in the heat releasing heat exchanger; in the second heat exchange unit, heating the ambient air and simultaneously cooling the thermal transport fluid that has been heated in the heat releasing heat exchanger; cooling the thermal transport fluid in the heat receiving heat exchanger; and transferring heat from the heat receiving heat exchanger to the heat releasing heat exchanger using a medium other than the thermal transport fluid; and after heating the ambient air, changing a mode of operation of the thermal exchange system and moving the thermal transport fluid for cooling the ambient air by cooling the thermal transport fluid in the heat receiving heat exchanger; in the second heat exchange unit, cooling the ambient air and simultaneously heating the thermal transport fluid that has been cooled in the heat receiving heat exchanger; heating the thermal transport fluid in the heat releasing heat exchanger; and transferring heat from the heat receiving heat exchanger to the heat releasing heat exchanger using a medium other than the thermal transport fluid. Fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when changing the mode of operation of the thermal exchange system so that changing the mode of operation changes an outside path through which the thermal transport fluid moves between the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit while preserving inside paths through which the thermal transport fluid moves inside each of the the heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit.

Advantageously, in some embodiments, the proposed systems use a single component to change the flow of fluid to achieve the cooling and heating configurations, which brings robustness and simplicity to the proposed systems. Also, direction of flow of fluid is kept constant inside the various heat exchangers of the proposed systems when changing between the heating and cooling configurations.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates a valve part of a thermal exchange system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2, in a perspective exploded view, illustrates the valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3, in a side elevation view, illustrates a valve rotor part of the valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4, in a top plan view, illustrates the valve rotor in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the valve rotor thereof in a second rotational orientation relative to a valve housing thereof;

FIG. 6, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 with the valve rotor in a first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the second rotational orientation being rotated by about 90 degrees relative to the first orientation;

FIG. 7, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 with the valve rotor in a third rotational orientation that is substantially at an equidistantly intermediate rotational orientation between the first and second rotational orientations;

FIG. 8, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 7 with the valve rotor in the third rotational orientation relative the valve housing;

FIG. 9, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 8 with the valve rotor in a fourth rotational orientation relative the valve housing that is substantially equivalent to the third rotational orientation;

FIG. 10, in a side plan view, illustrates a valve rotor part of a valve part of a heat exchange system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11, in a top plan view, illustrates the valve rotor shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve for which the valve rotor is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 with the valve rotor thereof in a first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing;

FIG. 13, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIG. 12 with the valve rotor in a second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the second rotational orientation being rotated by about 90 degrees relative to the first orientation;

FIG. 14, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 with the valve rotor in a third rotational orientation that is substantially at an equidistantly intermediate rotational orientation between the first and second rotational orientations;

FIG. 15, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 with the valve rotor in the third rotational orientation relative the valve housing;

FIG. 16, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 with the valve rotor in a fourth rotational orientation relative the valve housing that is substantially equivalent to the third rotational orientation;

FIG. 17, in a side plan view, illustrates a valve rotor part of a valve part of a heat exchange system in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18, in a top plan view, illustrates the valve rotor shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve for which the valve rotor is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 with the valve rotor thereof in a first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing;

FIG. 20, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIG. 19 with the valve rotor in a second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the second rotational orientation being rotated by about 90 degrees relative to the first orientation;

FIG. 21, in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 with the valve rotor in a third rotational orientation that is substantially at an equidistantly intermediate rotational orientation between the first and second rotational orientations;

FIG. 22, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 with the valve rotor in the third rotational orientation relative the valve housing;

FIG. 23, in a front end, cross-sectional view, illustrates the valve shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 with the valve rotor in a fourth rotational orientation relative the valve housing that is substantially equivalent to the third rotational orientation;

FIG. 24, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system in accordance an embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer system including the valve shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5-9, here shown in a top midway cross-sectional view, the valve being in the first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode;

FIG. 25, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 24, the valve being in the second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode;

FIG. 26, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system equivalent to the heat transfer system shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the heat transfer system including a plurality of 3-way valves replacing the valve of the system shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode;

FIG. 27, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 26, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode;

FIG. 28, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system in accordance another embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer system including the valve shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, here shown in a top midway cross-sectional view, the valve being in the first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode;

FIG. 29, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 28, the valve being in the second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode;

FIG. 30, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system equivalent to the heat transfer system shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the heat transfer system including a plurality of 3-way valves replacing the valve of the system shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode;

FIG. 31, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 30, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode;

FIG. 32, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system in accordance yet another embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer system including the valve shown in FIGS. 19 to 23, here shown in a top midway cross-sectional view, the valve being in the first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode;

FIG. 33, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 32, the valve being in the second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode;

FIG. 34, in schematic view, illustrates a heat transfer system equivalent to the heat transfer system shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the heat transfer system including a plurality of 3-way valves replacing the valve of the system shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a heating mode; and

FIG. 35, in schematic view, illustrates the heat transfer system shown in FIG. 34, the heat transfer system begin illustrated in a cooling mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this document, directional terminology, such as top and front, for example, is used to facilitate the description of the invention and should not be used to restrict the scope of the present invention. Also, the terminology “substantially” is used to denote variations in the thus qualified terms that have no significant effect on the principle of operation of the invention. These variations may be minor variations in design or variations due to mechanical tolerances in manufacturing and use of the various components of the invention. These variations are to be seen with the eye of the reader skilled in the art.

FIGS. 1 to 9 inclusively show various aspects of a first embodiment of a multiple-path rotary valve 100 according to the present invention, hereinafter simply abbreviated as valve 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, the valve 100 is generally defined as having a valve front end 102, corresponding to the end of the valve 100 provided with a spindle shaft 104, a valve rear end 106 opposite the valve front end 102, and valve side or lateral portions 108 extending longitudinally therebetween.

As exemplified in the drawings, spindle shaft 104 may be optionally attachable to a lever member 105 or any other suitable rotational means such as, for example, a remotely controlled drive motor or equivalent (not shown in the drawings). Furthermore, it is to be understood that the configuration of the spindle shaft 104 shown in the drawings is only exemplary.

Now referring more particularly to FIG. 2, the valve 100 includes a substantially hollow valve housing 110 and a valve rotor 112 rotatably mounted in the valve housing 110. As is common in the art, the valve housing 110 and the valve rotor 112 are typically made of a sufficiently rigid and corrosion proof material, or combination of materials, conventionally used in valve manufacturing such as, for examples, brass, stainless steel, a suitable metal alloy, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Teflon®, or the likes.

Furthermore, commercially available seal elements such as, for example, O-rings, seal gaskets, tubular seals, and/or seal coatings may be conventionally applied between selected parts of the valve 100, for avoiding external leakages, as well as fluidly isolate the various internal flow paths that can be formed within the valve 100.

The valve housing 110 defines a hollow body having a substantially elongated and cylindrically-shaped valve chamber 116. The valve chamber 116 is provided with a spindle shaft aperture 118 axially extending through the valve front end 102, along a common longitudinal axis 120.

The valve housing 110 further defines a plurality of fluid ports, collectively denoted by reference numeral 122, the fluid ports 122 being for example equidistantly spaced apart along oppositely facing longitudinal wall portions of the valve housing 110 and extending therethrough. More specifically, as seen for example in FIG. 5, the valve housing 110 defines a first port 131, a second port 129, a third port 127, a fourth port 125, a fifth port 130, a sixth port 128, a seventh port 126 and an eighth port 124.

The first, second, third and fourth ports 131, 129, 127 and 125 are provided at longitudinally spaced apart locations along said valve housing 110 and the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 130, 128, 126 and 124 are provided at substantially longitudinally spaced apart locations along the valve housing 110. The first, second, third and fourth ports 131, 129, 127 and 125 are substantially diametrically opposed respectively to the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 130, 128, 126 and 124. The first, second, third and fourth ports 131, 129, 127 and 125 are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other and the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 130, 128, 126 and 124 are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other. However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, any other configuration of the fluid ports 122 and valve conduits that achieve the links between the fluid ports 122 is possible.

Referring for example to FIG. 3, the valve rotor 112 generally defines a substantially elongated and cylindrically-shaped valve rotor body 132 having outer dimension and configuration that typically conform, in a snug-fit relation, to the correspondingly-shaped interior of the valve chamber 116. The valve rotor 112 axially extends at one end thereof in a substantially cylindrically-shaped spindle shaft 104 having dimension and configuration that conform with, and extends through, the spindle shaft aperture 118 of the valve housing 110. The valve rotor 112, and more specifically the valve rotor body 132 defines valve conduits for conducting fluid between selected ones of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 131, 129, 127, 130, 128, 126 and 124.

Although the valve chamber 116 and valve rotor 112 have been exemplified in the drawings as having corresponding conical configurations proximal the valve front end 102 and corresponding flat configurations proximal the valve rear end 106, it is to be understood that other corresponding configurations are possible.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the valve rotor 112 in side elevation and top view respectively. The valve rotor body 132 defines first and second longitudinal portions 140 and 142 respectively that are typically substantially equidistantly extending therealong, with the first longitudinal portion 140 being adjacent the spindle shaft 104. The valve conduits are defined by bores and recesses formed in the valve rotor body 132. The valve rotor 112 is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular positions (seen in FIGS. 6 and 5 respectively), different valve conduits being aligned with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 131, 129, 127, 130, 128, 126 and 124 in the first and second angular positions.

More specifically, the first longitudinal portion 140 is provided with fourth and third parallel bores 144 and 146 extending substantially diametrically therethrough. The first longitudinal portion 140 is further provided with diametrically opposed and longitudinally extending fourth and third recesses 148 and 150. The third and fourth recesses 150 and 148 are circumferentially spaced apart from the third and fourth bores 146 and 144, typically by 90 degrees.

In a similar fashion as the first longitudinal portion 140, the second longitudinal portion 142 is provided with first and second parallel bores 156 and 154 extending substantially diametrically therethrough, and with diametrically opposed and longitudinally extending second and first recesses 158 and 160 that are angularly positioned at a 90° angle relative to the first and second bores 156 and 154. A difference of the second longitudinal portion 142, relative to the first longitudinal portion 140, resides in the fact that the bores and recesses arrangement of the second longitudinal portion 142 are circumferentially positioned at an angular offset of 90° about the longitudinal axis 120, relative to the first longitudinal portion 140. The first and second bores 156 and 154 extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first and second recesses 160 and 158, and the third and fourth bores 146 and 144 extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the third and fourth recesses 150 and 148.

In the first angular position, as seen in FIG. 6, the first bore 156 is substantially aligned with and extends between the first and fifth ports 131 and 130, the second bore 154 is substantially aligned with and extends between the second and sixth ports 129 and 128, the third recess 150 extends between the third and fourth ports 127 and 125, and the fourth recess 148 extends between the seventh and eighth ports 126 and 124. Being out of alignment with the fluid ports 122 of the valve housing 110, the first and second recesses 160 and 158 and the third and fourth bores bores 146 and 144 are blocked by the inner cylindrical surface of the valve chamber 116.

In the second angular position, as seen in FIG. 5, the third bore 146 is substantially aligned with and extends between the third and seventh ports 127 and 126, the fourth bore 144 is substantially aligned with and extends between the fourth and eighth ports 125 and 124, the first recess 160 extends between the first and second ports 131 and 129, and the second recess 158 extends between the fifth and sixth ports 130 and 128. Being out of alignment with the fluid ports 122 of the valve housing 110, the first bore 156, the second bore 154, the third recess 150 and the fourth recess 148 are blocked by the inner cylindrical surface of the valve chamber 116.

As it will be demonstrated through a use of the multiple-paths rotary valve 100 of the present invention in a typical thermal exchange system described further below, the valve 100 requires the two combinations of tranversal bores and longitudinal recesses such as encompassed by the first and second longitudinal portions 140 and 142 respectively, with each combination radially offset by 90 relative to the other.

In alternate embodiments of a multiple-paths rotary valve, according to the present invention, the valve rotor may include more than two combinations of tranversal bores and longitudinal recesses, as described above with a corresponding number of fluids ports provided along side portions of the valve housing.

In some embodiments, as with the embodiment shown in the drawings, the valve rotor 112 is movable to a third angular position in which the first, second, third and fourth bores 156, 154, 146 and 144 and the first, second, third and fourth recesses 160, 158, 150 and 148 are all retracted from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports 131, 129, 127, 130, 128, 126 and 124. The third rotational orientation of the valve rotor 112 is illustrated in a perspective, longitudinal cross-sectional view in FIG. 7 within the valve housing 110, wherein the valve rotor 112 is substantially at an oblique 45° rotation about its longitudinal axis, relative to the first or second rotational orientation of the valve rotor 112. Thus, all fluid ports 122 of the valve housing 110 are simultaneously blocked by portions of the outer cylindrical surface of the valve rotor body 132, as illustrated in transversal cross-sectional view in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the first, second and third rotational orientations described above each have at least one other rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis of the valve rotor 112, relative to the valve housing 110, that provide an identical configuration of fluid passageways between all the fluid ports 124 to 131 inclusively.

For example, with the valve rotor 112 positioned in the first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 110, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve rotor 112 may be rotated a full 180° in both directions and obtain an identical configuration of fluid passageways between all the fluid ports 122 as the original orientation.

In a similar fashion, with the valve rotor 112 positioned in the second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 110, as best illustrated in FIG. 5, the valve rotor 112 may be rotated a full 180° in both directions and obtain an identical configuration of fluid passageways between all the fluid ports 122 as the original orientation.

Again, in a similar fashion, with the valve rotor 112 positioned in the third rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the valve rotor 112 may be rotated 90° or 180° in any direction, and still obtain a configuration of fully blocked fluid passageways between all the fluid ports 122 as the original orientation. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates, in a front end cross-sectional view, a 90° turn clockwise or counterclockwise of the valve rotor 112 relative to the original third rotational orientation thereof.

It should be noted that in alternative embodiments of the invention, any other configuration of the fluid ports 122 and valve conduits that achieve the links between the the fluid ports 122 can be used.

Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 24 and 25, a mode of operation of the valve 100 will now be described through the operation of a thermal exchange system 170 in which the valve 100 is advantageously used for redirecting fluid paths between components thereof. The valve 100 may also be advantageously used for executing maintenance operations on the thermal exchange system 170. The thermal exchange system 170 is configurable between a heating configuration (seen in FIG. 24) and a cooling configuration (seen in FIG. 25).

The thermal exchange system 170 is usable with a thermal transport fluid 190, for example and non-limitingly liquid water, to condition ambient air 194. The thermal exchange system 170 includes a fluid source port 172 for receiving the thermal transport fluid 190 and a fluid exhaust port 174 for releasing the thermal transport fluid 190. The fluid source and exhaust ports 172 and 174 can be connected, for example, to a relatively large reservoir (not shown in the drawings) containing the thermal transport fluid 190. Therefore, in these embodiments, the thermal transport fluid 190 is moved in a closed circuit. In other closed circuits, the thermal transport fluid 190 moves through a length of pipe between the fluid source and exhaust ports 172 and 174 instead of being stored in a reservoir so that heat can be exchanged with the thermal transport fluid 190. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the thermal transport fluid 190 is from an open loop system in which the thermal transport fluid 190 is continuously renewed.

The thermal exchange system 170 includes a first heat exchange unit 176 and a second heat exchange unit 178. Also, a pump 196 is provided for moving the thermal transport fluid 190 in the thermal exchange system 170. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the pump 196 is shown adjacent the fluid source port 172, but in alternative embodiments, the pump 196 is provided at any other suitable location. Also, in some embodiments, more than one pump 196 is used.

The first heat exchange unit 176 includes a heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and a heat releasing heat exchanger 184. The heat receiving heat exchanger 186 includes a heat receiving heat exchanger input port 187 and a heat receiving heat exchanger output port 189. The heat releasing heat exchanger 184 including a heat releasing heat exchanger input port 183 and a heat releasing heat exchanger output port 185. The first heat exchange unit 170 is operative for actively cooling the heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and heating the heat releasing heat exchanger 184. The heat receiving heat exchanger 186 is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid 190 at the heat receiving heat exchanger input port 187, cooling the thermal transport fluid 190 and releasing the thermal transport fluid 190 at the heat receiving heat exchanger output port 189. The heat releasing heat exchanger 184 is operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid 190 at the heat releasing heat exchanger input port 183, heating the thermal transport fluid 190 and releasing the thermal transport fluid 190 at the heat releasing heat exchanger output port 185.

The second heat exchange unit 178 includes a second heat exchange unit input port 193 and a second heat exchange unit output port 195, the second heat exchange unit 178 being operative for receiving the thermal transport fluid 190 at the second heat exchange unit input port 193, exchanging heat between the ambient air 194 and the thermal transport fluid 190 and releasing the thermal transport fluid 190 at the second heat exchange unit output port 195.

With reference to FIG. 24, in operation, in the heating configuration, the fluid source port 172 and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port 183 are in fluid communication with each other, the heat releasing heat exchanger output port 185 and the second heat exchange unit input port 193 are in fluid communication with each other, the second heat exchange unit output port 195 and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port 187 are in fluid communication with each other, the heat receiving heat exchanger output port 189 and the fluid exhaust port 174 are in fluid communication with each other. The pump 196 moves the thermal transport fluid 190 through the thermal exchange system 170 successively from the fluid source port 172, through the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, through the second heat exchange unit 178, through the heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and to the fluid exhaust port 174.

With reference to FIG. 25, in operation, in the cooling configuration the fluid source port 172 and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port 187 are in fluid communication with each other, the heat receiving heat exchanger output port 189 and the second heat exchange unit input port 193 are in fluid communication with each other, the second heat exchange unit output port 195 and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port 183 are in fluid communication with each other, and the heat releasing heat exchanger output port 185 and the fluid exhaust port 174 are in fluid communication with each other. The pump 196 moves the thermal transport fluid 190 through the thermal exchange system 170 successively from the fluid source port 172, through the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, through the second heat exchange unit 178, through the heat releasing heat exchanger 184 and to the fluid exhaust port 174.

All fluid communication relationships between the components of the thermal exchange system 170 are achieved through a network of conduits 197 which changes configuration between the heating and cooling configurations. Fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid 190 through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and second heat exchange unit 178 remains unchanged when the thermal exchange system 170 is moved between the heating and cooling configurations.

The first heat exchange unit 176 is typically operative for actively transporting heat within the first heat exchange unit 176 from the heat receiving heat exchanger 186 to the heat releasing heat exchanger 184. In the present example, the conventional first and second heat exchange units 176 and 178 are represented by a compressor-heat exchanger unit and a liquid-to-air fan coil unit respectively, which represent a combination commonly used to efficiently heat or cool, for example, a residential home, an office building, and the likes, depending on external temperature and/or the season of the year.

Typically, the first heat exchange unit 176 may include conventional sub-units such as, for example, a compressor 180 that circulates in a closed circuit a heat transport fluid 182, such as a refrigerant gas, through the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, for example a liquid\gas heat exchanger, followed through a gas expansion device 181, through the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, for example another liquid\gas heat exchanger, and back to the compressor 180. Typically, the liquid-to-air fan coil unit 178 may include a coiled pipe 188 through which is circulated the thermal transport fluid 190, and an air duct 192 surrounding the coiled pipe 188 and through which ambient air 194 circulates.

Typically, as is well known to one skilled in the art, such thermal exchange system 170 may transfer heat to the ambient air 194 of a home, such as exemplified by the thermal exchange system 170 in a heating mode in FIG. 24. Inversely, such thermal exchange system 170 may extract heat from, or in other words, cool the inside air of a home, such as exemplified by the thermal exchange system 170 in a cooling mode in FIG. 25.

In some embodiments of the invention, the thermal exchange system 170 is also configurable to a maintenance configuration in which flow of the thermal transport fluid 190 between the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and second heat exchange unit 178 is blocked.

The above-described further thermal exchange system 170 may include any suitable components to achieve the change between the heating and cooling configurations. It has been found advantageous to use the valve 100 for that purpose. The valve 100 is in fluid communication with the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, heat receiving heat exchanger 186 and second heat exchange unit 178 and is operable between a valve first configuration (with the valve rotor 112 in the first angular position) and a valve second configuration (with the valve rotor 112 in the second angular position). Therefore, in the valve first configuration, the thermal exchange system 170 is in the heating configuration and in the valve second configuration, the thermal exchange system 170 is in the cooling configuration. The valve 100 may have its spindle shaft 104 coupled to a rotational drive unit (not shown in the drawing) that is remotely controlled by an automatic Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system, or to the lever member 105.

FIG. 24 illustrates the valve 100 in a side cross-sectional view and with all its fluid ports 122 connected to the network of conduits 197 of the thermal exchange system 170 described above. More specifically, the first port 131 and the heat releasing heat exchanger output port 185 are in fluid communication with each other, the second port 129 and the fluid exhaust port 174 are in fluid communication with each other, the third port 127 and the heat releasing heat exchanger input port 183 are in fluid communication with each other, the fourth port 125 and the fluid source port 172 are in fluid communication with each other, the fifth port 130 and the second heat exchange unit input port 193 are in fluid communication with each other, the sixth port 128 and the heat receiving heat exchanger output port 189 are in fluid communication with each other, the seventh port 126 and the second heat exchange unit output port 195 are in fluid communication with each other, and the eighth port 124 and the heat receiving heat exchanger input port 187 are in fluid communication with each other. The valve 100 has its valve rotor 112 positioned in the first rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 110, as illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 25 illustrates the same system as in FIG. 24 except that the valve rotor 112 is in the second rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 110.

It is important to note that, although the valve 100 essentially inverts the order of elements through which the thermal transport fluid 190 is circulated, the direction of flow of the thermal transport fluid 190 through each individual element 184, 178 and 186 is preserved the same in both the first and second rotational orientation of the valve rotor 112. This aspect is important for the proper operation of such thermal exchange system 170.

Also, it is important to note that by its structure the valve 100 allows the use of its third rotational position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, for blocking all fluid paths of the thermal exchange system 170 at once, thus greatly simplifying and reducing the cost of a shutdown procedure in preparation for maintenance or repair operations. A significant advantage of a valve providing a simultaneous blocking of all its fluid ports, such as the rotary valve 100 of the present invention, resides in that a thermal exchange system 170 may return in a relatively short time to its optimum operational condition following a comparatively short maintenance shutdown.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative thermal exchange system 170′ including equivalent assemblies of multiple 3-way valves 198 required to accomplish the same configurations of fluid paths within a same structure of the thermal exchange system 170 as accomplished by the present embodiment of the valve 100 when positioned in the first and second rotational orientations relative to the valve housing 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 respectively.

It is important to note that these equivalent assemblies of 3-way valves 198 are relatively expensive to assemble, maintain and repair since they generally imply a great number of individual parts to install and interconnect with small conduits 199. In some cases, each 3-way valve 198 must also be provided with electrical connections since they are generally represented by remotely controlled solenoid valves. Furthermore, the maintenance on such system sometimes requires a complex shutdown procedure comprising numerous operations involving additional manual valves since solenoid valves generally do not offer intermediate position wherein all the inlets and outlets of the valve are blocked at once.

FIGS. 10 to 16 inclusively illustrate aspects of an alternate embodiment of a multiple-path rotary valve 200, according to the present invention. Valve 200 presents similarities with the valve 100 described above, including a valve housing 210 and a valve rotor 212 rotatably mounted in a valve chamber 216 of the housing.

Likewise the first embodiment of a valve 100, the valve housing 110 of the present embodiment being provided with preferably four (4) pairs of longitudinally spaced apart and oppositely diametrically corresponding fluid ports 222.

Also likewise the first embodiment of a valve 100, the valve rotor 112 defines a rotor first and second longitudinal portion 240 and 242 respectively, with each portion being individually provided with pairs of parallel and transversally extending bores 244, 246 and 254, 256, and diametrically corresponding pairs of longitudinally extending recesses 248, 250 and 258, 260 respectively. The valve rotor 112 is also positionable in a first, second and third rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 210, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 respectively.

The difference of valve 200 of the present embodiment, relative to the valve 100 of the first embodiment above, essentially resides in that the pairs of transversally extending bores 244, 246 and 254, 256 and longitudinally extending recesses 248, 250 and 258, 260 of the first and second longitudinal portions 240 and 242 that are radially aligned along the longitudinal length of its valve rotor body 232, instead of being offset by 90°.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrates, in cross-sectional views, the first and second longitudinal portions 240 and 242 respectively when in the valve rotor 112 is in the third rotational orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 14. As can be observed, all the transversally extending bores and longitudinal recesses are blocked.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a typical thermal exchange system 270 in which the valve 200 is advantageously used for redirecting fluid paths between a fluid source port 272, a fluid exhaust port 274, a compressor-heat exchanger unit 276 and a liquid-to-air fan coil unit 278 respectively. All components of the thermal exchange system 270 that are numbered with reference numerals between 200 and 299 have similar functions to components of the thermal exchange system 170 numbered with the leading 2 replaced by a leading 1, except for the details of thermal transport fluid 290 flow due to the use of the valve 200 instead of the valve 100. In these two figures, the valve 200 is illustrated in cross-sectional view in the first and second rotational orientation respectively, for redirecting the fluids paths such that they correspond to the heating and cooling modes of the thermal transport system 270 respectively. As with the first heat exchange unit 176, the compressor-heat exchanger unit 276 may include conventional sub-units such as, for example, a compressor 280 that circulates in a closed circuit a heat transport fluid 282, such as a refrigerant gas, through the heat releasing heat exchanger 284, for example a liquid\gas heat exchanger, followed through a gas expansion device 281. Also, as with the liquid-to-air fan coil unit 178, the liquid-to-air fan coil unit 278 may include a coiled pipe 288 through which is circulated the thermal transport fluid 290, and an air duct 292 surrounding the coiled pipe 288 and through which ambient air 294 circulates.

As with valve 100 in first embodiment, valve 200 of the present embodiment essentially invert the order of elements through which a thermal transport fluid 290 is circulated while preserving the direction of flow of the thermal transport fluid 290 through each individual element of the thermal exchange system 270. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment of the thermal exchange system 270, a second pump 299 is required since the valve 200 invert fluids paths between two independent fluid circuits.

FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a thermal exchange system 270′ equivalent assemblies of multiple 3-way valves 298 required to accomplish the same configurations of fluid paths within a same general structure of the thermal exchange system 270 as accomplished by the present embodiment of the valve 200 when positioned in the first and second rotational orientations relative to the valve housing 210, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 respectively.

FIGS. 17 to 23 inclusively illustrate aspects of an alternate embodiment of a multiple-path rotary valve 300, according to the present invention. Valve 300 is substantially similar to the first embodiment of a valve 100 described above, including a valve housing 310 and a valve rotor 312 rotatably mounted in a valve chamber 316 of the housing.

Likewise the first embodiment of a valve 100, the valve housing 310 of the present embodiment being provided with preferably four (4) pairs of longitudinally spaced apart and oppositely diametrically corresponding fluid ports 322.

Also likewise the first embodiment of a valve 100, the valve rotor 312 defines a rotor first and second longitudinal portion 340 and 342 respectively, with the first portion being provided with a pair of transversally extending bores 344 and 346, and a diametrically corresponding pair of longitudinally extending recesses 348 and 350 respectively. As opposed to the first embodiment of a valve 100, the second longitudinal portion 342 of the present embodiment is provided with two pairs of transversally extending bores 344, 346 and 358, 360 disposed at 90° relative to one another.

The valve rotor 312 being is positionable in a first, second and third rotational orientation relative to the valve housing 310, as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 respectively.

It is important to note that the double pairs of perpendicularly transversally extending bores 344, 346 and 358, 360 of the second longitudinal portion 342 are usable to synchronize the blocking of all fluid conduits coupled thereto with the blocking of all the fluid conduits coupled to the first longitudinal portion 340 of the valve 300 when the latter is positioned in the third rotational orientation, as illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, for maintenance purposes of a system.

FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate a typical thermal exchange system 370 in which the valve 300 is advantageously used for redirecting fluid paths between a fluid source port 372, a fluid exhaust port 374, a compressor-heat exchanger unit 376 and a liquid-to-air fan coil unit 378 respectively. In these two figures, the valve 300 is illustrated in cross-sectional view in the first and second rotational orientation respectively, for redirecting the fluids paths such that they correspond to the heating and cooling modes of the thermal exchange system 370 respectively. All components of the thermal exchange system 370 that are numbered with reference numerals between 300 and 399 have similar functions to components of the thermal exchange system 370 numbered with the leading 3 replaced by a leading 1, except for the details of thermal transport fluid 390 flow due to the use of the valve 300 instead of the valve 100. As with the first heat exchange unit 176, the compressor-heat exchanger unit 376 may include conventional sub-units such as, for example, a compressor 380 that circulates in a closed circuit a heat transport fluid 382, such as a refrigerant gas, through the heat releasing heat exchanger 384, for example a liquid\gas heat exchanger, followed through a gas expansion device 381. Also, as with the liquid-to-air fan coil unit 178, the liquid-to-air fan coil unit 378 may include a coiled pipe 388 through which is circulated the thermal transport fluid 390, and an air duct 392 surrounding the coiled pipe 388 and through which ambient air 394 circulates.

As with valve 100 of the first embodiment, valve 300 of the present embodiment essentially invert the order of elements through which a thermal transfer fluid 390 is circulated while preserving the direction of flow of the thermal transfer fluid 390 through each individual element of the thermal exchange system 370.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate a thermal exchange system 370′ including equivalent assemblies of multiple 3-way valves 398 required to accomplish the same configurations of fluid paths within a same general structure of the thermal exchange system 370 as accomplished by the present embodiment of the valve 300 when positioned in the first and second rotational orientations relative to the valve housing 310, as illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35 respectively.

Generally speaking, in all three thermal exchange systems 170, 270 and 370, in operation the at least one pump 196, 296 and 299, and 396 moves the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 through the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 so that:

in the heating configuration, the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 heats the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 with the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, releases heat from the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 heated with the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384 to the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 using the second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378 and cools the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 with the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386;

in the cooling configuration, the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 cools the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 with the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386, receives heat from the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 and heats the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 cooled with the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 using the second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378, and heats the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 with the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384; and

fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 and second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378 remains unchanged when the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 is moved between the heating and cooling configurations.

The thermal exchange systems 170, 270 and 370 are therefore all able to perform a method for conditioning ambient air 194, 294 and 394 by first moving the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 for heating the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 by heating the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 in the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, in the second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378, heating the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 and simultaneously cooling the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 that has been heated in the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, cooling the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 in the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386, and transferring heat from the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 to the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384 using a medium other than the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390. After heating the ambient air 194, 294 and 394, the method includes changing a mode of operation of the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 and moving the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 for cooling the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 by cooling the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 in the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386, in the second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378, cooling the ambient air 194, 294 and 394 and simultaneously heating the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 that has been cooled in the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386, heating the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 in the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, and transferring heat from the heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 to the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384 using a medium other than the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390.

In the method, fluid flow direction of the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 through each of the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 and second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378 remains unchanged when changing the mode of operation of the thermal exchange system 170, 270 and 370 so that changing the mode of operation changes an outside path through which the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 moves between the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 and second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378 while preserving inside paths through which the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390 moves inside each of the the heat releasing heat exchanger 184, 284 and 384, heat receiving heat exchanger 186, 286 and 386 and second heat exchange unit 178, 278 and 378.

The difference between the thermal exchange systems 170, 270 and 370 resides in the details of the flow of the thermal transport fluid 190, 290 and 390. The flow of thermal transport fluid 190 through the thermal exchange system 170 has been described hereinabove.

In the thermal exchange system 270, in the heating configuration the thermal transport fluid 290 flows in a circuit in a first path from the heat releasing heat exchanger 284, to the second heat exchange unit 278 and back to the heat releasing heat exchanger 284. Also, the thermal transport fluid 290 flows in a second path successively from the fluid source port 272, to the heat receiving heat exchanger 286 and to the fluid exhaust port 274.

In the cooling configuration the thermal transport fluid 290 flows in a circuit in a third path from the heat receiving heat exchanger 284, to the second heat exchange unit 278 and back to the heat receiving heat exchanger 284. Also, the thermal transport fluid 290 flows in a fourth path successively from the fluid source port 272, to the heat releasing heat exchanger 284 and to the fluid exhaust port 274.

In thermal exchange system 370, in the heating configuration, the thermal transport fluid 390 flows in a first path successively from the fluid source port 372, to the heat releasing heat exchanger 384, to the second heat exchange unit 378 and to the fluid exhaust port 374. Also, the thermal transport fluid 390 flows in a second path successively from the fluid source port 372, to the heat receiving heat exchanger 386 and to the fluid exhaust port 374.

In the cooling configuration, the thermal transport fluid 390 flows in a third path successively from the fluid source port 372, to the heat receiving heat exchanger 386, to the second heat exchange unit 378 and to the fluid exhaust port 374. Also, the thermal transport fluid 390 flows in a fourth path successively from the fluid source port 372, to the heat releasing heat exchanger 386 and to the fluid exhaust port 374.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermal exchange system usable with a thermal transport fluid to condition ambient air, said thermal exchange system comprising: a fluid source port for receiving said thermal transport fluid; a fluid exhaust port for releasing said thermal transport fluid; a pump provided for moving said thermal transport fluid in said thermal exchange system; a first heat exchange unit, said first heat exchange unit including a heat receiving heat exchanger and a heat releasing heat exchanger, said heat receiving heat exchanger including a heat receiving heat exchanger input port and a heat receiving heat exchanger output port, said heat releasing heat exchanger including a heat releasing heat exchanger input port and a heat releasing heat exchanger output port, wherein said first heat exchange unit is operative for actively cooling said heat receiving heat exchanger and heating said heat releasing heat exchanger; said heat receiving heat exchanger is operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said heat receiving heat exchanger input port, cooling said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said heat receiving heat exchanger output port; and said heat releasing heat exchanger is operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said heat releasing heat exchanger input port, heating said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said heat releasing heat exchanger output port; a second heat exchange unit, said second heat exchange unit including a second heat exchange unit input port and a second heat exchange unit output port, said second heat exchange unit being operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said second heat exchange unit input port, exchanging heat between said ambient air and said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said second heat exchange unit output port; said thermal exchange system being configurable between a heating configuration and a cooling configuration wherein in operation, in said heating configuration: said fluid source port and said heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; said heat releasing heat exchanger output port and said second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; said second heat exchange unit output port and said heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; said heat receiving heat exchanger output port and said fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; and said pump moves said thermal transport fluid through said thermal exchange system successively from said fluid source port, through said heat releasing heat exchanger, through said second heat exchange unit, through said heat receiving heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port; and wherein in operation, in said cooling configuration: said fluid source port and said heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; said heat receiving heat exchanger output port and said second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; said second heat exchange unit output port and said heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; said heat releasing heat exchanger output port and said fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; and said pump moves said thermal transport fluid through said thermal exchange system successively from said fluid source port, through said heat receiving heat exchanger, through said second heat exchange unit, through said heat releasing heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port; whereby fluid flow direction of said thermal transport fluid through each of said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when said thermal exchange system is moved between said heating and cooling configurations.
 2. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 1, wherein said first heat exchange unit is operative for actively transporting heat within said first heat exchange unit from said heat receiving heat exchanger to said heat releasing heat exchanger.
 3. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 2, wherein said first heat exchange unit includes: a heat transport fluid circulating between said heat releasing heat exchanger and said heat receiving heat exchanger; a compressor provided between said heat releasing heat exchanger and said heat receiving heat exchanger for compressing said heat transport fluid when said heat transport fluid is moved from said heat receiving heat exchanger to said heat receiving heat exchanger; and a gas expansion device provided between said heat releasing heat exchanger and said heat receiving heat exchanger for expanding said heat transport fluid when said heat transport fluid is moved from said heat releasing heat exchanger to said heat releasing heat exchanger.
 4. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 1, wherein said second heat exchange unit is a liquid-to-air fan coil unit.
 5. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 1, wherein said thermal exchange system is also configurable to a maintenance configuration in which flow of said thermal transport fluid between said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit is blocked.
 6. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a valve in fluid communication with said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit, said valve being operable between a valve first configuration and a valve second configuration, wherein, in said valve first configuration, said thermal exchange system is in said heating configuration and in said valve second configuration, said thermal exchange system is in said cooling configuration.
 7. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 6, wherein said valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port and an eighth port; said first port and said heat releasing heat exchanger output port are in fluid communication with each other; said second port and said fluid exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other; said third port and said heat releasing heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; said fourth port and said fluid source port are in fluid communication with each other; said fifth port and said second heat exchange unit input port are in fluid communication with each other; said sixth port and said heat receiving heat exchanger output port are in fluid communication with each other; said seventh port and said second heat exchange unit output port are in fluid communication with each other; said eighth port and said heat receiving heat exchanger input port are in fluid communication with each other; in said valve first configuration, inside said valve, said first and fifth ports are in fluid communication with each other; said second and sixth ports are in fluid communication with each other; said third and fourth ports are in fluid communication with each other; and said seventh and eighth ports are in fluid communication with each other; and in said valve second configuration, inside said valve, said first and second ports are in fluid communication with each other; said fifth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with each other; said third and seventh ports are in fluid communication with each other; and said fourth and eighth ports are in fluid communication with each other.
 8. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 7, wherein said valve includes a substantially hollow valve housing and a valve rotor rotatably mounted in said valve housing, said first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports extending through said valve housing, said valve rotor defining valve conduits for conducting fluid between selected ones of said first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports, said valve rotor being rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position, said valve rotor being configured and sized such that in said first angular position, said valve is in said valve first configuration and in said second angular position, said valve is in said valve second configuration.
 9. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 8, wherein said valve housing defines a substantially cylindrically-shaped valve chamber and said valve rotor defines a substantially elongated and cylindrically-shaped valve rotor body mounted in said valve chamber.
 10. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 9, wherein said valve rotor body has outer dimensions and configuration that conform in a substantially snug-fit relation to said valve chamber.
 11. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 10, wherein said first, second, third and fourth ports are provided at longitudinally spaced apart locations along said valve housing and said fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports are provided at substantially longitudinally spaced apart locations along said valve housing, said first, second, third and fourth ports being substantially diametrically opposed respectively to said fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports.
 12. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 11, wherein said first, second, third and fourth ports are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other and said fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports are provided substantially circumferentially aligned relative to each other.
 13. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 12, wherein said valve conduits include first, second, third and fourth bores extending substantially diametrically through said valve rotor body and first, second, third and fourth recesses extending substantially longitudinally along portions of said valve rotor body, said first and second recesses being substantially diametrically opposed to each other and said third and fourth recesses being substantially diametrically opposed to each other, said first and second recesses being circumferentially spaced apart from said first and second bores and said third and fourth recesses being circumferential spaced apart from said third and fourth bores; in said first angular position said first bore is substantially aligned with and extends between said first and fifth ports; said second bore is substantially aligned with and extends between said second and sixth ports; said third recess extends between said third and fourth ports; and said fourth recess extends between said seventh and eighth ports; and in said second angular position said third bore is substantially aligned with and extends between said third and seventh ports; said fourth bore is substantially aligned with and extends between said fourth and eighth ports; said first recess extends between said first and second ports; and said second recess extends between said fifth and sixth ports.
 14. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 13, wherein said first and second bores extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including said first and second recesses; and said third and fourth bores extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane including said third and fourth recesses.
 15. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 13, wherein said valve rotor is movable to a third angular position, wherein, in said third angular position, said first, second, third and fourth bores and said first, second, third and fourth recesses are all retracted from said first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ports.
 16. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 10, wherein said valve rotor defines a spindle shaft extending substantially axially from said valve rotor body through a spindle shaft aperture provided at one end of said valve housing.
 17. A thermal exchange system usable with a thermal transport fluid to condition ambient air, said thermal exchange system comprising: a fluid source port for receiving said thermal transport fluid; a fluid exhaust port for releasing said thermal transport fluid; at least one pump provided for moving said thermal transport fluid in said thermal exchange system; a first heat exchange unit, said first heat exchange unit including a heat receiving heat exchanger and a heat releasing heat exchanger, said heat receiving heat exchanger including a heat receiving heat exchanger input port and a heat receiving heat exchanger output port, said heat releasing heat exchanger including a heat releasing heat exchanger input port and a heat releasing heat exchanger output port, wherein said first heat exchange unit is operative for actively cooling said heat receiving heat exchanger and heating said heat releasing heat exchanger; said heat receiving heat exchanger is operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said heat receiving heat exchanger input port, cooling said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said heat receiving heat exchanger output port; and said heat releasing heat exchanger is operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said heat releasing heat exchanger input port, heating said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said heat releasing heat exchanger output port; a second heat exchange unit, said second heat exchange unit including a second heat exchange unit input port and a second heat exchange unit output port, said second heat exchange unit being operative for receiving said thermal transport fluid at said second heat exchange unit input port, exchanging heat between said ambient air and said thermal transport fluid and releasing said thermal transport fluid at said second heat exchange unit output port; said thermal exchange system being configurable between a heating configuration and a cooling configuration; wherein in operation said at least one pump moves said thermal transport fluid through said thermal exchange system so that in said heating configuration, said thermal exchange system heats said thermal transport fluid with said heat releasing heat exchanger, releases heat from said thermal transport fluid heated with said heat releasing heat exchanger to said ambient air using said second heat exchange unit and cools said thermal transport fluid with said heat receiving heat exchanger; in said cooling configuration, said thermal exchange system cools said thermal transport fluid with said heat receiving heat exchanger, receives heat from said ambient air and heats said thermal transport fluid cooled with said heat receiving heat exchanger using said second heat exchange unit, and heats said thermal transport fluid with said heat releasing heat exchanger; fluid flow direction of said thermal transport fluid through each of said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when said thermal exchange system is moved between said heating and cooling configurations.
 18. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 17, wherein in said heating configuration, said thermal transport fluid flows successively from said fluid source port, to said heat releasing heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit, to said heat receiving heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port; and in said cooling configuration, said thermal transport fluid flows successively from said fluid source port, to said heat receiving heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit, to said heat releasing heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port.
 19. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 17, wherein in said heating configuration said thermal transport fluid flows in a circuit in a first path from said heat releasing heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit and back to said heat releasing heat exchanger; and said thermal transport fluid flows in a second path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat receiving heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port; and in said cooling configuration said thermal transport fluid flows in a circuit in a third path from said heat receiving heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit and back to said heat receiving heat exchanger; said thermal transport fluid flows in a fourth path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat releasing heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port.
 20. A thermal exchange system as defined in claim 17, wherein in said heating configuration said thermal transport fluid flows in a first path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat releasing heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit and to said fluid exhaust port; and said thermal transport fluid flows in a second path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat receiving heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port; and in said cooling configuration said thermal transport fluid flows in a third path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat receiving heat exchanger, to said second heat exchange unit and to said fluid exhaust port; and said thermal transport fluid flows in a fourth path successively from said fluid source port, to said heat releasing heat exchanger and to said fluid exhaust port.
 21. A method for conditioning ambient air using a thermal transport fluid moving through a thermal exchange system, said thermal exchange system including a heat receiving heat exchanger, a heat releasing heat exchanger and a second heat exchange unit, said method comprising: moving said thermal transport fluid for heating said ambient air by heating said thermal transport fluid in said heat releasing heat exchanger; in said second heat exchange unit exchanger, heating said ambient air and simultaneously cooling said thermal transport fluid that has been heated in said heat releasing heat exchanger; cooling said thermal transport fluid in said heat receiving heat exchanger; and transferring heat from said heat receiving heat exchanger to said heat releasing heat exchanger using a medium other than said thermal transport fluid; and after heating said ambient air, changing a mode of operation of said thermal exchange system and moving said thermal transport fluid for cooling said ambient air by cooling said thermal transport fluid in said heat receiving heat exchanger; in said second heat exchange unit exchanger, cooling said ambient air and simultaneously heating said thermal transport fluid that has been cooled in said heat receiving heat exchanger; heating said thermal transport fluid in said heat releasing heat exchanger; and transferring heat from said heat receiving heat exchanger to said heat releasing heat exchanger using a medium other than said thermal transport fluid wherein fluid flow direction of said thermal transport fluid through each of said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit remains unchanged when changing said mode of operation of said thermal exchange system so that changing said mode of operation changes an outside path through which said thermal transport fluid moves between said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit while preserving inside paths through which said thermal transport fluid moves inside each of said said heat releasing heat exchanger, heat receiving heat exchanger and second heat exchange unit. 